Challenges in the Life of Fat Joe in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Fat Joe. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is an American rapper who rose to prominence as a member of the hip-hop collective Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in the early 1990s. He launched his solo career with the album "Represent" in 1993. He is also the founder of Terror Squad, a hip-hop group and record label that fostered the careers of artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma, and producers such as DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 8, 1998: Arrested on assault charges

On September 8, 1998, Fat Joe and Big Pun were arrested on assault charges for hitting a man with a baseball bat and stealing the man's gold chain that year.

1999: Feud with 50 Cent

Fat Joe's feud with 50 Cent was provoked in 1999, when Ja Rule and Jadakiss made appearances on Ja Rule's single.

2000: Personal Losses and Struggles

In 2000, Fat Joe faced the death of his friend Big Pun, his sister, and his grandfather, leading to clinical depression. Additionally, Armageddon, Triple Seis, and Cuban Link left Terror Squad due to internal conflicts.

May 2001: Altercation at Angie Martinez's release party

In May 2001, Fat Joe was involved in an altercation with rapper SunKiss at a release party for Angie Martinez's album, resulting in Cuban Link getting his face cut.

May 12, 2002: Arrested for alleged fight

On May 12, 2002, Fat Joe was arrested for allegedly fighting with another man at B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square.

2005: Feud escalates at MTV Video Music Awards

During the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, tensions between Fat Joe and 50 Cent escalated after Fat Joe's comments during the Best Hip Hop Video award presentation and 50 Cent's subsequent profanity-laden response. Michael Jordan cancelled a contract fearing conflict with 50 Cent.

January 2008: Denial of IRS Tax Rumors

In January 2008, Fat Joe and his accountant, Brian Dittrich, denied internet rumors that Fat Joe owed the IRS taxes.

March 20, 2008: 50 Cent's "funeral" video

On March 20, 2008, 50 Cent released a YouTube video that featured a "funeral" of Fat Joe, mocking his album sales.

June 24, 2013: Sentenced to prison for tax evasion

On June 24, 2013, Fat Joe was sentenced to four months in prison for tax evasion.

August 26, 2013: Began prison sentence

On August 26, 2013, Fat Joe began his four-month prison sentence for tax evasion.

2013: Conviction on Federal Tax Charges

In 2013, Fat Joe was convicted on federal tax charges.

August 2014: Liza Rios files $2.3 million lawsuit

In August 2014, Liza Rios, Big Pun's widow, filed a $2.3 million lawsuit against Fat Joe and Steve Rifkind, alleging unpaid royalties for Big Pun's albums Capital Punishment (1998) and Yeeeah Baby (2000) since 2005.

June 22, 2016: Settlement in lawsuit

On June 22, 2016, Fat Joe and Liza Rios, the widow of Big Pun, settled out-of-court for undisclosed reasons regarding the $2.3 million lawsuit filed in August 2014 concerning unpaid royalties.

January 8, 2022: Lawsuit dismissed

On January 8, 2022, the lawsuit filed in 2019 by rapper Fly Havana against Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and French Montana regarding songwriting royalties for their 2016 single, "All the Way Up," was dismissed.

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October 2023: Lawsuit reopened

In October 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reopened the lawsuit regarding "All the Way Up".

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December 22, 2024: Liza Rios storms out of interview

On December 22, 2024, Liza Rios stormed out of an interview on the Uppercut podcast when asked about Fat Joe.

April 29, 2025: Filed lawsuit against Terrance "T.A." Dixon

On April 29, 2025, Fat Joe filed a lawsuit against his former hype man, Terrance "T.A." Dixon, for defamation and extortion based on false accusations.